Former Union minister Jaswant Singh passes away at 82

Condoling his death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: Jaswant Singh ji served our nation diligently, first as a soldier and later during his long association with politics. During Atal ji’s Government, he handled crucial portfolios and left a strong mark in the worlds of finance, defence and external affairs. Saddened by his demise.”

Modi added that the former union minister “will be remembered for his unique perspective on matters of politics and society.” “He also contributed to the strengthening of the BJP. I will always remember our interactions. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti,” he tweeted.

Also read | Jaswant Singh dead: From key figure in Vajpayee govt to BJP rebel

A former officer of the Indian Army, Singh had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections as an Independent candidate from Barmer district in Rajasthan after he did not get a BJP ticket. He lost to Colonel Sona Ram of the BJP.

Singh served as the Minister for Finance, Minister for Defence and Minister for External Affairs under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

In 2009, he was was expelled from the saffron party after he praised Muhammad Ali Jinnah in his book Jinnah – India, Partition, Independence. While he was later inducted into the party, he parted ways in 2014.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted: “Deeply pained by the passing away of veteran BJP leader and former Minister, Shri Jaswant Singh ji. He served the nation in several capacities including the charge of Raksha Mantri. He distinguished himself as an effective Minister and Parliamentarian.”